Great Lunch Spot

For lunch we found a terrific spot on a ledge about 30 feet below the east rim of Mount Chiquita.  We had a great view of Chiquita Lake and were sheltered from the strong, chilly winds at the summit.  A storm raged off in the distance the entire time, inching closer throughout lunch but never hitting us.

 

 

 

Ypsilon Mountain

From our lunch spot we had a full view of the steep south side of Ypsilon Mountain, which stands taller at 13,514 feet.

 

 

 

Under Pressure

This sandwich was vacuum-packed at a much lower elevation and higher pressure atmosphere.

 

 

 

Back on the Summit

Theresa climbed off our lunch ledge and back up to the summit of Mount Chiquita.

 

 

 

Stormy on Top

 

Snow storms raged above the summit of Mount Chiquita on this September afternoon, but only a few small pellets actually made it to the ground to strike our faces.  The summit is an eerie landscape of colorful rocks, lichens and moss.

 

 

 

Take a Closer Look

  

Upon closer inspection, the barren landscape is teeming with life.

 

 

 

Tundra Gold for Fall

The tundra assumes a golden red hue as the grass and plants start to change color for fall.

 

 

 

Climbing Down

Theresa is climbing down out of the tundra into the subalpine forests that range from 9,000 to 11,400 feet in the park.  Engelmann Spruce and Subalpine Fir trees dominate the landscape.

 

 

 

Satisfied Hiker

 

Timm is still smiling from the enjoyable hike to the summit of Mount Chiquita, the broad hump in the center of the photo.

 

 

 

Mummy Range

 

 

Here are the three southernmost mountains in the Mummy Range, left-to-right: Ypsilon Mountain, Mount Chiquita, and Mount Chapin.  We have a much greater appreciation for the size of these mountains after having just climbed them.

 

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